Thanks to some quick thinking and the magic of forwarding mail, my fiance picked up his packet 3 at the campground where he's staying (oh the devotion! such a good man to pack all the important docs along with his camping gear for his holiday weekend).

Thanks to AlienUKGirl's uploads of packet 3, he had all the copies of the forms filled out and printed out and with him. So he ticked all the checklist boxes and mailed the forms, checklist, and a cover letter explaining our desired dates back to the London Embassy.

He has everything in hand on the checklist except for the police certificate. It was ordered long enough ago, however, that we are fairly confident (knock on wood) that everything will be sorted by the interview date. He received that letter of receipt from the powers-that-be and I think he'll probably give 'em a ring prior to the tolling of the full 40 days. Worst they can say is "no news yet," kinda like USCIS, right?

He called this morning to schedule his medical appointment and is booked up for next Wednesday (week from tomorrow), so that seems like a pretty good turn-around time.

It should take just a few days for everything to get back to the Embassy. I'll probably give them (State Dept, stateside) a call on Friday (a few times, just to check) to see if it has been received yet. Then daily until I hear about an interview date!

Still trying not to think about expected interview dates or guess when it might happen. Or worry about how long the visa will take to get back to him. Seems like things are scheduled about 4-5 weeks out right now. But I can't even think that without checking myself - "or it could take longer. months! you never know!"

Must be a surreal experience to actually see the light at the end of the tunnel in the form of an interview date. I hope to find out soon!

Cross my fingers for a soon interview for you ...did you check the mail maybe you got packet 4

Congratulations! We may get an interview date the same day (or very close to it)!

I really want to know the date so I can book my horribly expensive airfare.

Daisy, why would you phone the State Department about his Packet 3? They don't have a clue about it.

Someone should tell them that because when I called (it's the visa unit whatever - the number that i've posted here and got from here before - "202 663 1225 then press 1,0,0 to talk to someone") they keyed in my LND number and said "well, we received it on X date and they mailed out some documents that he will have to fill out on 5/20." They did not call it "packet 3," but they seemed to know what was going on. And since a packet of said documents arrived, it seems to have worked just fine . . . .

Calling the 202 area code, US based number doesn't cost 1.20GBP/min and it seems to get actual answers rather than "uh, nothing there yet." This was confirmed when my fiance spent a lot of money for them to say "not received," then I called later for free (long distance included in my cell plan, anyway) and they said "ah yes, just got here now." Neither the 1.20/min line nor the 202 line are IN London. But the 202 number worked for me. I'll stick with it.

edit: the number calls the US State Department Visa Office.

LOL. That's a riot.

Everybody dial now. That number won't work much longer.

Yup, the DoS is definitely the way to go! When we were waiting for Packet 4, they were very patient and helpful, giving me info on where Packet 3 was at the Embassy and what was happening to it (in the system, being processed, getting final administrative processing, etc). And they even referred to it as "Packet 3" on one occasion! The Extortion Line were nice but clueless, which seems to be the current consensus.

And calling 202 from work...literally priceless!

I'm confused at why this number thing surprises you. I got the information and instructions from VJ. Didn't think it was a secret. It's a hotline. With all the main menu and automated fun that entails. I think its purpose is to answer questions about status/the process/etc.

"Visa Information Officers can answer your questions between hours of x and x, yadda yadda" - it's all there in the main menu. Again, I got the number here on VJ - and I jotted it down on my notepad here, so I can't even remember where I got it anymore (forum, etc), but I'm guessing I could find it online too.

Seriously - you've never seen this route to gettting information discussed before? Didn't BuxtonBabe mention it?

All I know is this wasn't available two years ago.

I also know that from time to time, there's a leaked phone number. It's a different number each time there's a leak. It always dispenses information for a short while, and before long the fun stops.

Then I am grateful that is is available now.

I agree RJ. And I find it ridiculous that they know about the day to day of the UK embassy, seeing as it's in America.

Most UKers have had no problems using the email address to get info, if it is used properly & not abused.

You can find it however you want. But you may wish to call to tell them that they should not know what they do, in fact, know and gladly, helpfully, and kindly give out to callers.

Do you think I just fabricated and posted the contents of conversations I've had with the Visa Office? Just trying to get VJers to make random phone calls? Is ECM making it up too?

The availability of information might have something to do with the magic of computer systems being networked world-wide these days. It's crazy, but true.

You and rebeccajo are on to the AOS process and beyond now. And as rebeccajo points out, things change over time.

I don't really understand what the objection to using this number is. It is freely and easily available on the DoS website as the number for the public to call about visa information. It's not hidden and I seriously doubt they're going to shut it down as it is not just for immigrant visas but also for work and other visas.

I don't know why the DoS knows more about our files than "London" (Scotland in reality) knows -- that's just how it is right now. You pay through the nose to get next to no info. If you know that you can call a number that is not a premium rate and you're going to get info that actually reflects the true state of your petition, aren't you going to call it? Email is not an answer -- you have to call the premium number to get the weekly authorisation code to (theoretically) ensure you'll get a reply. I know that some people are getting replies without this code, but who can be sure if you'll be one of the chosen ones? And when you do email, you're unlikely to get a swift response. The first email I sent to the Embassy as to where our NOA1 might be (our post was being stolen and I had NO idea if anything had been sent) was never answered and it had the appropriate code.

This is just the current state of play in London. It could change again. I don't think asking about your case is abuse if you make the occasional phone call, especially if you think there's a delay.

You're right - the number is there and open for the public.

This is just a case where the noobs have some insider information since we're at this stage of the process now, rather than a few years ago. Things change for the better and for the worse over time in different areas. I'll take the phone number as an iddybiddy victory in a larger war that never gets simple for filers.

Anyone who cares not to use the number or to belive factual accounts from those who have used it is free to do so! I just wish people wouldn't cast doubt on the validity of an available resource if the person has no firsthand knowledge of it or reason for doing so. That helps NO ONE and can only hurt the whole point of VJ.

Oh, hey, don't misunderstand. If it works for you, great. I do think however that it's a fluke they may, on a given day, be giving out the information they shouldn't.

If this were some new service offered by DOS, it'd be all over this board and everybody from London to HoChiMinh City to Manilla would be dialing it. It wouldn't be something just you two know about. No offense really - I just think you got lucky.

PS - Daisy, I like you but please don't patronize me as being 'out'. It's kind of condescending.

I was not patronizing you. I was patronizing devilette a bit since she jumped on your bandwagon looking for a fight, rather than to continue to exchange information as you and I had been doing. No offense toward you was intended.

I do not think it was a fluke, nor do I think I got lucky.

I have called them multiple times since NVC said they mailed the petition. Each time, I've received the same level of friendly service (kicks the pants of USCIS in terms of friendliness AND information).

I just looked up the state dept website too: http://travel.state.gov/about/info/how/how_308.html



It is most definitely an available resource. And not completely unknown here on VJ since this is where I got the tip. In this subforum too.

Congrats Daisy! You are well on your way and almost there!

FWIW, I called the same number as Daisy to find out that our case was already in London's system. It helped me cool my jets a bit in waiting for packet 3. Actually, I think I'm the one who gave Daisy the phone number. Don't remember exactly where I got it, but I know it was from a poster here on VJ. I think it may have been in a thread in the NVC forum about something totally unrelated.

If I used it and wasn't supposed to (since I'm not going for a J visa or an immigrant visa), then I apologize. But I remember that the guy on the other end of the phone asked me what type of visa it was and I said fiance. If its not for K1ers, then he would have been well within his rights to tell me that he couldn't give me any information.

I certainly didn't mean to 'start' anything. I thought I should say it was me that told Daisy (though I appreciate her not naming me directly).

*edited after reading RJ's post*

Daisy, thanks for posting the link.

I notice it refers specifically to immigrant visas and J's.

The past position of DOS has been a hand-off of the non-immigrant visas to the consulates. Immigrant visas are treated a bit differently and I believe that is what this phone line is for.

I really do think someone gave out information they aren't supposed to. Why? A couple of reasons.

During the time I've been on this board, various other means of accessing information about the visa during consular processing have floated on this board. Did they work? Yes - for a while. I myself attempted to email a different address at the London consulate that gave out information for a few days. By the time the info floated downstream on VJ, the leak had been killed.

Secondly, even with updates in technology, I really can't see consulates standing for a stateside DOS clerk dispensing visa information so they can be hassled by USC non-immigrant visa petitioners. The consulate isn't dealing with the USC petitioner - they are dealing with the visa applicant themself. If that policy had changed, you would be getting mail from London. But that's not happening - they send it to your fiance - the visa applicant. It's his visa and his interview and that's how they see it.

I just tried an experiment and I'm going to try it again tomorrow during regular business hours. I tried dialing the number. It's too late in the day for me to make headway with the 1,0,0 combination. But I did follow through with the other prompts and I got the same rhetoric I've heard for nearly three years - the consulate will be dealing with your fiance, you shouldn't plan your wedding until the visa is issued, blah blah blah.

I'm going to try it again tomorrow and see what I come up with. Granted I don't have an current LND number to play with - but I'm resourceful.

I'll let you know what happens.

Okay, let us know.

A small correction, however. A number besides the one I listed here is offered for immigrant and other visas. There are a few sentences worth of information for various situations and for different sorts of information sought. ("For information related to inquiries about visa cases and the application process, call 202-663-1225.")

I'm still not exactly sure why this has turned into a discussion over the validity of the number, though, and getting less sure as the conversation continues.

So far, there are 3 of us that have posted that the 202 number works a treat. And I think I read it somewhere else before Tracy would've even pointed it out to me.

So long as the person calling as the case number and the beneficiary's name and DOB, I'm not sure why it wouldn't follow that the information would be forthcoming. Just like at the NVC stage when we call NVC for updates.

The K1 one, while a non-immigrant visa (hence the 90 day clock, the certain forms and procedures) is still a hybrid in the way it is treated. London filers stand in the immigrant visa line, right? The short one? That's what I've seen reported here. So I'm not sure the non vs. immigrant distinction weighs on one side or the other.

Lastly, and this is a non-factual argument, what is served by experimenting at all. Now I'm going to be completely hypothetical because I don't believe there was a fluke in the system, but say there is. Say your theory holds true and they shouldn't be giving out info. Your call gets through to a really procedure-wonk who is now alerted to an blip in the system. Supervisors are called. Memos are issued. An otherwise fine, reliable resources is shut down.

That helps what how?

I don't think that's the case. I think the number is good and I think it is available for these sorts of inquiries on the status of forms, etc.

To wit: a post from BuxtonBabe regarding calling to sort out the interview time: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...1&hl=buxton

I can't say for certain anymore, but I think I read in another BB post or via some PMs between us about the number and the process. Search isn't getting me to it anymore.

At any rate - I'm just slack-jawed at how this is a big deal or something to be debunked in anyway. People can invest in the phone call or they can choose to email or to wait or to call the Scotland hotline at 1.20/min.

Well, I seem to have caught up with you now - my stuff went off today after I received it Saturday (actually I was in California at the time and my parents got it all - and of course some of the paperwork had changed from the ones I had prefilled - like the checklist).

It will be really interesting to see how things progress now - there are a couple of VJers who had interviews in 30 days from returning packet 3, and others much longer. I scheduled the medical for next Thursday. Who knows, maybe I can make the July wedding after all!!!!

Still no NOA2 officially by the way. Not that I care any more - I have that much evidence to go with the I134 and from the original package that I dont think they will even notice.

Daisy, I sure hope when Tim gets here you can relax, cause you take a lot of stuff way too seriously.

I'm interested in finding out if this is a new procedure or not - plain and simple, no controversy, no egos. If it is and I can ascertain it for certain, I'm gonna post it up in the Consular Section, blaring it to everybody on the board. And I'm gonna give you and others credit for finding the tip of the iceberg.

With the super-secret cloaking that goes on with DOS/USCIS, I can see that, if indeed this is something 'new' they might not want to put up a Goodyear blimp advertising it. But a message board can.

If it's a fluke and my call happens to cut off the stream of info earlier than later - oh well - I'm not gonna lose sleep over that.

Other references to the phone number and how it works: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...ost&p=88166

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...st&p=920378

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...st&p=643055

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...st&p=478009 (that one is from 9/26/06)

I did some searching now and found a bunch of references. Feel free to post it wherever. I don't need credit. I didn't find it on my own, I found it from other VJers.

As ever, all I take seriously is preserving the reliability here on VJ. And yes, perhaps when my fiance is here, I will relax. But you'll forgive me if I remain attentive until that happens. I just dislike being made to feel like I don't know what I'm talking about. I wasn't conjecturing on options for another filer. Nor was I even necessarily offering advice - not at first anyway. I was simply relaying information when you expressed surprise at what I had posted.

A few more people imply that I'm silly, however, and . . . . even if that wasn't your intent, that's the implication that I read and it bothers me.

But I hope we can just let go the discussion now. Especially with the evidence from other forums on the site - some from back in 2006 - that confirm that the number is legit, useful, and available.

And since VJ represents such an idddddybidddddy fraction of filers, I don't think we'll drown the office if we remind people how to check on their cases.

Hey, hey - white flag already!

Good thread references. I do note the last one was regarding a CR1 immigrant visa.

I'd still like to make the call. And I'm not calling anybody 'wrong' - I have read about this before but as I don't see it being widely used, I previously dismissed it. Now I'm more than mildly curious. In any educated arena, I'm a big enough girl to admit I DON'T know it all.

One thing I'm curious to learn is whether or not this info is being generated by all the consulates, or just some. Doesn't hurt to try and find out, does it?

Daisy,

Thanks tremendously for your information and passing on a tip for those of us approaching this stage to utilize - if still available. Just want to let you know that it really is appreciated. Whether it works or not for us - at least we have something else to try. Seems as though trial, error, and waiting makes up a large percentage of this process.

Best of luck on getting the interview scheduled quickly.

Yeah, no kidding, Daisy we only got approved in October 06. Geez.

Nice one RJ.

----

Also, as a FYI, from an old timer of late Fall 2006 (a whopping 8 months ago) - I used the embassy's email when I had a question & guess what, it worked! And in only 2 days.

Y'all quit.

Devilette, Rebeccajo....it does seem that visa-y things do change a lot over time. The sheets that are being sent out to applicants now are different from the ones we received in 2005-2006, and it does seem that USCIS/DOS/US Embassy - London are constantly changing the rules and moving the goalposts.

Daisy...I know you're a lawyer and you must love to argue...but this isn't one that anyone is going to win.





*ducks back behind the shed*

Rad-freakin' tastic. I used the phone number and it worked. Repeatedly. And in only 2 minutes. Oh wait, once I was on hold for 5.

Devilette - you're coming in mid-stream here and not really helping anything. Rebeccajo and I have talked about the thread and we're both being level-headed about how to proceed with it and to answer anyone's question. There's no high-fiving. I'm not out to "get" rebeccajo. I'm just passin' along the information on the phone number.

Prior to October '06, the phone number worked and was discussed here on VJ, see my linked thread above. Probably prior to that date as well, I just stopped scrolling the hits generated by a google search of VJ specifically.

I'm just not sure why you, particularly, seem to want to scold people for deviating from your preferred method of getting information. Yay, you used email and had no trouble. Someone else uses the phone. How does one hurt the other, exactly?

p.s. I dislike lawyering and most lawyers. I dislike arguing. But I dislike roadblocks to getting out information more. rebeccajo wasn't trying to build one, but we were in disagreement about how to handle this phone number issue. I will always respond when I think that information isn't passing as freely as it could or should. With most arguments here on VJ, you're right HA, no one will ever "win." My frustration in this thread, however, was over the notion that anyone could win or lose. I wasn't arguing an opinion. I was sharing what I did and clearing up the fact that this number exists, it works, I got it from VJ, and no, not crazy! When it comes to facts about whether or not a number exists and it does what the State Dept says it will do, I think there CAN be a certain answer. That's not winning, it's just confirming a fact. There's so much in this process that the government will never give a certain answer on (weight of evidence can depend on an adjudicator's mood, for example). When something is pretty cut and dry, I'd just like to relay the information without the sky falling. But again, I believe rebeccajo and I have ironed things out and that we'll be seeing more people try this number and see what happens.

oh I was only responding to the dig you made at me.




Is that why you argue every single post I make? Is that why your siggie says(in bright red!):

I am an attorney - but I am *not* an immigration attorney and I am *not* your attorney. I am absolutely not offering legal advice here.

I have a disclaimer because my I value my license more than a message board. It's boilerplate and I'm hardly alone.

I take rebut many of your posts because they contain factually inaccurate information, mistaken conclusions, or opinion presented as fact that I believe can scare readers and give them the wrong idea. I'm pretty clear about all of that. And have been.

But you took things much farther off-topic than my discussions with rebeccajo had led things. We were still discussing whether the number works and whether it is supposed to our not. You are trying to make people feel like they are . . . well, what is it exactly? Wrong? Selfish? Crazy? for calling instead of using the email access, as you did.

As ever: sending an email worked great for you. There are other ways to get information about your case status however. I could probably mail in my request as well - though that wouldn't be very efficient. It's the way you made your point - like it was some huge win that sending an email worked for you. I never said email didn't work. I was just sharing the story of my progress so far, rebeccajo was surprised to hear about the number, we hashed it out, and that's that until further notice. You're picking a fight where one doesn't exist. And really, aren't there many other threads between us where a fight would've been better placed?

Anyways as I said earlier...

Congrats to Tim & Daisy for being that much closer to bliss!

You don't get it, do you? You do not know how to STOP. You push & push & push until I leave a thread. It usually works too because I have no desire to hit a brick wall, over & over.

I never tried to pick a fight, I said email worked FOR ME. I said I did not have an ancient filing, as you implied I did.

You continually come after me Daisy, and it's personal. It's never about facts, or anything else.

You have that in your siggie because you think it validates you, your opinions, etc. I have no need to validate myself with a professional description of what I do.

Okay this thread needs to be locked. Where are the MODs?

HA, I agree. Things do change. That's why I'd like to learn more about this - whether or not it's an actual service available to all; or if it's just certain consulates providing the info; or whether or not it's the occasional loose-lipped customer service rep.

Okay I'm just going to step in here and ask people to calm down. The accusations of personal grudges should either be taken to PM, reported to the admin or just stopped completely. Please don't derail this thread any further. Thank you.

Apart from that, this thread IS actually getting somewhere from what I can see. Daisy has used the DOS phone number numerous times and gotten results, as have other members here. Rebecca is trying to figure out whether this is something that appears to be short term, or whether this seems to be a long term thing. If it turns out that this method of finding out information is here to stay, it could be very beneficial to the VJ community, hence I am leaving this topic open for now.

Thanks Mags for stepping in! It is just so frustrating when one tries to get information and opens up a thread like this! VJ is a learning experience for everyone regardless of stage or process etc. I hate to see people attack each other!

Thanks for the info, TimsDaisy!

I tried calling the London embassy, numerous times, to find out if they'd received our case. They couldn't tell me a thing. Tommy called the State Dept. and was told it had already arrived, and packet 3 had been sent a few days before, 5/20. Very helpful indeed.

Dawn.

I don't think that's the case. I think the number is good and I think it is available for these sorts of inquiries on the status of forms, etc.

To wit: a post from BuxtonBabe regarding calling to sort out the interview time: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...1&hl=buxton

I can't say for certain anymore, but I think I read in another BB post or via some PMs between us about the number and the process. Search isn't getting me to it anymore.


TimsDaisy;

Congrats on making headway in your journey.

You are correct in mentioning that I also benefited from using the magic 202 phone number. I had got caught in the mysterious PO box triangle. My Fiance made numerous calls to the London embassy at great cost, no information given out. I made calls and was told to e-mail using case number in subject line, these e-mails were also returned.

I finallly used the 202 and was given accuracte concise information.

As was previously stated, from time to time different numbers or means of getting good information is made available, as one goes another will appear.

In the short time I have been on this board I have greatly benefitted from the experience of members with more hearts and bars than I have, however I have made a point of remembering that their posts should be viewed as advice or experience, NOT the law. Case in point; my fiance travelled to visit me during the K1 process, much against the advice of more experienced members.

Ps: To keep my sanity I will not be responding to this topic anymore.

Thanks for the # since the e-mail doesnt seem to be working for us.

I keep reading this thread but I can't figure out what's so upsetting? Maybe I am dense, hehe.

Is it really about whether or not the state department number works? [I might be off, I dunno, I can't figure it out].

If it's any help, Andy and I called the state department and we were actually TOLD to call the state department by one of the fine Scottish lads on the extortion helpline & given the number which worked fine. I tried to find the paper with the number to compare, but unfortunately I can't as it's gotten lost in the shuffle somewhere [I DID find a lost chili recipe stuffed in with my K-1 stuff for some reason, so that made me happy, heheheh]

At any rate, whether they change the number or not, I don't think it's unusual to call the state department as I've done it, and so have a bunch of people I think. Also, I got a lot of help from 'The National Visa Service Center", but NOT for particular details regarding my case as much as answers to general questions about the process [I had called to ask about whether or not Andy could visit while the K-1 was being processed and they were very helpful].

To me it seems like it depends on who you wind up talking to in the end. I.E. one helpline employee in a dozen might be the only one who knows enough to mention it, you know? I called loads of numbers over the course of an hour and a half when I was looking for answers, and went through many channels before someone gave me the visa service center number. Also, Andy had talked to a few different people on the extortion helpline about the same things before one guy actually gave him the state department number. So I don't think it's a matter of hidden numbers or anything, as much as how informed the people we get in touch with actually ARE.

Hope this helps?

Hey cool my medical is also on 6/6 what time is your fella's - and i am supposed to be going the the upper berkely street on - which one is he going to? My medical is at 2.30pm I may meet him in the waiting room lol you never know:)

Good luck with getting the interview date soon:)

Lina (UKC)

I am just going to guess here, but the reason why this number hasn't made "headlines" so to speak with VJ'ers is because under most situations the process just chuggs along at its own pace and while wait times do occur, the process does work. This number is freely used by us in the MENA section (and has for years) mostly POST interview to get updates about Administrative Review (just try to contact a middle east consulate - its pretty laughable). Sure you can use it in most legs of the journey, but for the most part, hasn't been overwhelmingly necessary.

i've called the line two more times since this crazy thread started.

called on friday (optimistically soon, i know), no change in status.

called this morning, still no change in status. the woman asked if he'd mailed back what the Embassy requested of him. i said yup, he had done so last week. she said, well, they don't have it in the system yet, and there's a few more steps for them to do too, but i'm sure it will pop up soon. i said a cheery, thanks! calling is just a way to feel like i am doing something, she said no problem, and that was that.

i'll may give another call this afternoon - after it is London Embassy closing time, but while the State Dept is still open.

i was talking with another VJer who said it would depress her if she called and heard no change in status. for me it's the opposite - like i said above - i just feel like i'm doing something. and that's why the number is there. all state department visa specialists continue to be cheery, cooperative, helpful, and patient on the phone. none seems bothered by the call.

to review for anyone new to the thread:



Hold times can be long - but the longest they've been is about 10 minutes. And if you're calling from a cell phone or somewhere else where long distance is free, then through the magic of speakerphone, you don't even lose productivity.

many of us stopped our weekly or monthly calling after the information started to get really bad information from them. things like months after our interview they would say completely erroneous things like - "well he needs to be scheduled for an interview", or "i see here that there are no checks ordered". maybe they are better at handling the more typical visa procedures.

just wanted to add that often their information isn't so informative.

I can't speak to the Canadian experience. And I know to take all information as unconfirmed until more concrete evidence shows up - like packet 4, or the visa, or whatever. I don't predict I will need to be calling the visa line months after our interview - not that I rule out the worst case scenario.

The phone number is a resource, but as with everything in this process, it's a guarantee of nothing. Most should know that and be comfortable with that - or learn to get comfortable with it.

I was talking to my hubby about this the other day and he confirmed that he phoned this number when I was having my visa holdup in London. They told him that it had been dispatched days before (this is when I found out that SMS had cocked up big time). So it worked back in October/November time for me (or him should I say!).

I'm going to have to say though that I'd never have dreamed of using it as many times in the day or week as Daisy, but each to their own I guess!